Senior accountant Jobs in Columbus, OH

Accountant Senior and Accountant Principal

Take your accounting career to the next level in a supportive, fast-moving environment where your work matters. The Accountant Senior and Accountant Principal roles provide advanced accounting support for AEP companies, including designing and reviewing journal entry processes, developing analytical review procedures, and leading general ledger close processes and certain reporting activities for assigned areas of responsibility. Some of our Accountant Seniors and Accountant Principals also assist in our regulatory support process, including addressing complex implications of the regulatory environment. As you progress from Senior to Principal, you'll take on increasingly complex assignments and broader leadership responsibilities across processes, reviews, and strategic initiatives. Both roles play a key part in maintaining accuracy, compliance, and financial integrity across the AEP system while supporting a culture of excellence and innovation. At AEP, we invest in your long-term success. As an Accountant Senior or Accountant Principal, you will lead complex accounting processes, mentor junior staff, and influence strategic decisions. These roles position you for progression into specialized leadership roles across the company. AEP supports your growth through leadership development, mentorship, and tuition assistance. If you're looking to make an impact at a purpose-driven company that values your development, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Do:

• Perform general ledger accounting functions, including developing and reviewing journal entry processes, reviewing high-risk account reconciliations, conducting balance sheet reviews, and performing detailed account activity analysis using data analytics tools.
• Serve as a process leader by helping plan resources, coordinate activities, and meet deadlines within the accounting function for assigned areas of responsibility.
• Ensure financial system applications operate accurately and timely to support monthly close and other critical reporting schedules.
• Prepare, review, and present monthly, quarterly, and year-to-date variance analyses.
• Ensure compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley requirements, internal controls, and established accounting policies.
• Develop and perform analytic procedures to support financial integrity and provide business insights to AEP partners.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships within Accounting and with other AEP business partners.
• Oversee the preparation, review, and accuracy of monthly reports, billings, and internal management reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Review and approve quarterly and annual Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) reporting and assist with quarterly and annual GAAP financial statements, footnotes, and MD&A.
• Respond to and review data requests from internal and external auditors, regulators, and business partners.
• Provide analysis and support for AEP regulatory filings, proceedings, and related reporting requirements.
• Proactively assess, develop, and enhance accounting processes and procedures to drive continuous improvement.
• Research, document, and assist in the implementation of new GAAP standards.
• Lead or participate in special projects and cross-functional initiatives as assigned.

Specialty Track: Regulatory Support (Optional Focus Area)

For candidates specializing in Regulatory Support, the role includes different responsibilities that deepen your involvement in regulatory strategy, filings, and compliance.

Regulatory Support Responsibilities

• Monitor proceedings at regulatory commissions and relevant legislative developments in order to identify and understand potential regulatory accounting implications and disclosure requirements (both FERC and GAAP).
• Support operating company recovery strategy and decision-making through accounting analysis and research
• Assist in preparation of accounting testimony, accounting exhibits and schedules included in the filing requirements as defined by regulatory commissions
• Respond to and review data requests from internal and external auditors, regulators, and business partners.
• Research and analyze Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), including Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 980, Regulated Operations
• Research and analyze Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) accounting rules, including the FERC Uniform System of Accounts
• Prepare and/or review accounting memos, which document accounting conclusions, instructions, and disclosure considerations resulting from regulatory directives
• Develop, create, modify, and manage regulatory accounting models for specific regulatory mechanisms

What We're Looking For:

Accountant Principal and Senior

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Business with an Accounting concentration.

Experience:

• 3 years of accounting experience required. (Accountant Senior)
• 4 years of accounting experience required. (Accountant Principal)

Other Must Haves:

• Strong understanding of GAAP and regulatory reporting requirements.
• CPA or progress towards certification preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft products and familiarity with ERP systems. PeopleSoft experience preferred.
• Demonstrate the highest standards of ethical behavior.
• Exposure to and familiarity with the utility industry preferred.
• Public accounting experience and/or experience supporting external audits is preferred.
• Strong business acumen with an eye for efficiency and process improvement.
• Analytical mindset with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to employ a logical approach to solve problems and achieve objectives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to coach and guide others, including providing constructive feedback.
• Continuous improvement mindset demonstrated through adaptability, flexibility, creativity, and initiative.

What You'll Work:

• This is an On-Site role based out of either Columbus, OH; Canton, OH; or Tulsa, OK.

What You'll Get:

• Salary Range between $87,000-$118,000
• Annual Bonus
• 401(k) Match
• AEP Pension
• Comprehensive Benefits Package

Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do! At AEP, we're more than just an energy company we're a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you.

Please note that this role is eligible for the employee referral bonus program. For additional information, refer to the Workday Help article 'Employee Referral Bonus Program' by searching in the Workday search bar.

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade: SP20-007

Compensation Range: $87,633.00 - $128,688.00

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.